Potential consequences: Nottingham Forest lose Diogo Goncalves

Martin O’Neill will be looking to make some changes around the Nottingham Forest squad, with both incomings and outgoings expected in order for him to stamp his mark on the club.

Forest have been dealt a transfer blow by reports from A Bola via Sport Witness that Diogo Goncalves is ‘evaluating the options’ he has for his future, after featuring for just 385 minutes across seven games on his season-long loan deal to Forest under Aitor Karanka.

Goncalves is not set on leaving yet, as according to the report, he feels he should have more chances under new boss O’Neill.

However, if the loan was to end early, let’s take a look at the potential consequences.

A move for Jordon Mutch

Mutch has been a free agent ever since leaving Crystal Palace by mutual consent at the start of the January transfer window. Following loans at Reading and Vancouver Whitecaps in the past two years, the 27-year-old will surely be looking to settle down on a permanent deal.

O’Neill’s Forest could be the place for him. If one attacking option was to leave, it would be best to replace them with another. Mutch still has a lot to offer to a side as he is able to create chances and retain possession of the ball well. He may be playing second fiddle to Joao Carvalho, but he offers good squad depth.

He is able to feature in both central and attacking midfield, or on the wing too, although it would not make the best use of his talent. Either way, the move on a free would be a good one for both parties.

Matty Cash handed bigger role

Cash has started 18 of his 28 appearances so far this season for Forest, scoring seven times and assisting once.

It is only recently he has been given a more regular starting role, having had stints of starts and stints coming off the bench.

Goncalves’ move away would mean that the game time he would be provided could go towards Cash’s development instead, placing more faith in the 21-year-old and allowing him to make an even bigger impact on Forest’s results.